The Cell Broadcast system ensures swift dissemination of disaster warnings
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
After the successful trial run and subsequent operationalisation of the Cell Broadcast System, a mobile-based disaster warning system introduced by the Union Government, the Centre has suspended Cell Broadcast Services from Friday (June 12, 2026) without citing any specific reasons.
An order issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday (June 12, 2026) stated that, due to certain issues flagged by the competent authorities, the Cell Broadcast Service is being kept on hold until further instructions.
The Centre launched the mobile-based disaster communication system, developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in May to ensure the timely dissemination of critical information to citizens.
In Kerala, the system has become operational on June 6, issuing location-based alerts in Malayalam directly to mobile phones.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Since then, the system has been extensively utilised by disaster management authorities, enabling the dissemination of alerts in more than 19 Indian languages during natural disasters, weather warnings, cyclonic events, and extreme weather conditions. The system enables competent authorities to send alerts simultaneously to all mobile devices within a defined geographic area, ensuring near real-time delivery.
In Kerala, the system became operational on June 6, issuing location-based alerts directly to mobile phones, unlike standard text messages (SMS). The system works through the phone’s hardware and is enabled by default on all new phones in the country.
It was recently used on red-alert days and during periods when orange alerts were issued for two consecutive days. Any alert issued by central agencies that qualifies for priority dissemination will be sent through this system by the authorities.
Published – June 13, 2026 11:21 am IST
